A Beginner’s Guide To Heat Pump Water Heaters

Heat pump water heaters utilize a similar type of technology to warm water as pumps do to heat living spaces. They use the electrical energy to “move” the heat, but do not “make” the heat. This is the reason why heat pump systems are far more efficient and effective than conventional forms of gas or electrical water heaters. This article will provide information on the different heat pump water heaters.

The Features of Heat Pump Water Heaters

A well-designed and correctly installed heat pump water heater system uses less energy than the traditional electrical cylinder option. It is also able to operate in places that are not useful for solar water heaters, such as areas that receive less sunlight like the south side of hills. Furthermore, the heat pump system can be placed on a controlled electricity supply to gain a lower electricity pricing. Certain heat pump water heating systems provide users with a “central heating” facility. This is possible by pumping warm water from the hot water tank around the underfloor heating pipe system. Certain systems can be utilized to heat hot tubs, swimming pools or spas more cost-effectively than the conventional electric heating systems.

Points To Keep In Mind About Heat Pump Water Heaters

It is important to remember that while using a heat pump water heater is cost-effective, the initial cost of the system can be expensive. The installation of the system can be costly and it is possible that you will require building consent from the local council to complete this type of installation. It is recommended that you use our water heating resource to compare different upfront and ongoing costs of water heating options for your needs.

Generally, the heat pump water heater is more effective when operating in an area with warmer air outdoors. If you reside in a cold region, it may be worthwhile to ask the manufacturer if the system is capable of operating at lower temperatures. Be sure to request performance results of the system at different temperatures to ensure that the water heater is suitable for your environment. If the heat pump does not operate in cold temperatures, then you may need to use a conventional electric element. This is not cost-effective because systems that use these electrical elements tend to be more expensive when running in colder climates. Another issue regarding one’s environment is the point of corrosion. In geothermal or coastal areas, it is vital that heat pump water heaters have the correct type of protection against corrosion. It is recommended that you ask the manufacturer about this factor and about the environmental conditions in your region.

The Heat Pump Water Heater Operation

A heat pump water heater system utilizes refrigerant to remove energy from the external air. This energy is used to heat water and the water is stored in the residence’s hot water tank. This is a highly efficient system, but the efficiency can depend on the model of the system, the environmental temperatures, the quality of the overall installation, and the location of the system’s compressor unit.

There are two separate types of heat pump water heater systems: the split system and the all-in-one unit. A spilt system presents with an outdoor compressor unit and an indoor hot water tank. However, it is possible that the hot water tank can be placed outdoors separate from the compressor. The all-in-one unit places both the hot water tank and the compressor unit together keeping them outdoors. Watch this video for more information: